keep separate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep separate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when instructing someone to maintain a distinction or division between items or groups. Example: "Please keep separate the documents for each project to avoid any confusion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Casey underlines that physicians and nurses train separately, keep separate patient records, report to different hierarchies, read different journals, and use different jargon [ 21].

BMC Health Services Research

All those companies are operated separately and keep separate financial records.

The New York Times

He absolutely wanted to keep separate, absolutely.

Cornell University

The police do not keep separate records of these acts.

The Economist

The three programs will keep separate scores for multiple users.

The New York Times

There is no need to keep separate libraries.

The Guardian - Tech

Strain and dry the beetroot, and keep separate.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Add lemon, garlic and onion but keep separate.

The New York Times - Food

So Tesco's determination to keep separate "boys" and "girls" toys sections is baffling.

Independent

Mr. Salerno of Avis said the companies would keep separate counters and separate fleets.

The New York Times

Keep separate bags for each, adding to them when you can.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keep separate" when you want to emphasize the importance of maintaining a distinction between two or more items, categories, or concepts to avoid confusion or contamination.

Common error

Avoid simply stating "keep separate" without explaining why. Providing context helps the audience understand the purpose and importance of maintaining the separation, leading to better compliance and outcomes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep separate" functions primarily as a directive verb phrase, instructing the separation or maintenance of distinction between two or more entities. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Science

18%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "keep separate" functions as a directive, commonly used to instruct the maintenance of distinction between items or concepts. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used across diverse fields such as News & Media, Science, and Wiki. While alternatives like "maintain separation" or "keep distinct" exist, "keep separate" provides a clear and direct approach. When using it, ensure to provide context and explain the purpose behind the separation for better understanding and compliance. Avoiding vague statements and explicitly outlining the rationale are best practices to ensure the intended message is effectively conveyed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keep apart

A simpler, more direct way of saying to keep things from touching or mixing.

maintain separation

Emphasizes a more formal and sustained effort to keep things apart.

keep distinct

Highlights the clarity and recognizability of the difference.

segregate

Implies a more forceful or systematic separation, sometimes with negative connotations.

differentiate

Focuses on recognizing and treating items as different.

isolate

Suggests keeping something entirely alone, often for protection or study.

compartmentalize

Implies dividing something into categories for organizational purposes.

demarcate

Focuses on setting boundaries to establish separation.

disaggregate

Highlights breaking down a whole into separate parts.

sever ties

Implies a complete and often abrupt end to a connection.

FAQs

How can I use "keep separate" in a sentence?

You can use "keep separate" to instruct someone to maintain a distinction. For example, "Please keep separate the documents for each project to avoid confusion".

What is a good alternative to "keep separate"?

Alternatives include "maintain separation", "keep distinct", or "keep apart" depending on the context.

When should I use "keep separate" instead of "segregate"?

"Keep separate" is generally neutral, while "segregate" can imply a more forceful or systematic separation, sometimes with negative connotations. Use "keep separate" for neutral instructions and avoid "segregate" when possible.

Is it better to say "keep separate" or "maintain separation"?

Both are correct, but "maintain separation" is more formal and emphasizes a sustained effort. "Keep separate" is more direct and commonly used in everyday instructions.